Experience of ‘hybrid organisations in promoting meaningful rural livelihoods: Lessons from Africa, India and the Americas

Abstract

A Ford Foundation Rural Livelihoods Learning Group carried out a study into ‘hybrid’ organisations and strategies between July 2008 and September 2009. Twenty –one case studies were completed of hybrid organisations spread over India, Africa, North, Central and Latin America. The paper describes the services offered by the eight African case studies ranging from micro-finance, business development services to value chain development, and draws out the approach and characteristics of hybrid organisations as identified in the global study. Hybrid organisations offer multiple services, either internally or through partnerships, in order to build a comprehensive systemic response to multiple needs. Success requires the ability to create access to assets, to build agency and voice of individuals and communities, to support the development of secure livelihoods through technological, business and market improvement and relevant training, and changing the rules of the game to make them work more in favour of the poor.